HBCU Gameday Top Five 2016: SWAC Receivers

(Original Image: Dominique Monday)


1. Derrick Griffin, Texas Southern

Texas Southern caught a blessing the form of two-sport star Derrick Griffin. Griffin had not touched a football field in three years prior to the 2015 season. The former four-star recruit from Houston committed to Miami before academic issues ended up costing him his scholarship.

When he finally hit the field, he proved he was well worth the wait. Griffin scored 11 touchdowns despite insufficient quarterback play with Jonathan Bowen and Averion Hurts. He was a big-time down the field threat, as he averaged 19.7 yards a catch.

At 6’7, 230 pounds, Griffin is a whole lot of receiver, especially at the FCS level. He should be a big target of newcomer Cam Davis in 2016, so expect his catches to improve from the 36 balls he snagged in 2016. 

(Original Image: Dominique Monday)

2. Chad Williams, Grambling State 

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native had an impressive sophomore campaign for Grambling State. Williams led Grambling and the SWAC in receiving in 2015 with 64 catches and 1012 yards, finishing second to Griffin with 10 touchdowns. His most two impressive games came against Prairie View when he had seven catches for 193 yards with two touchdowns. Another game was against Bethune-Cookman where he had 11 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown.

Williams would have a tough task to face this season and it’s not on the football field. Williams ran into some offseason trouble as was one of three men arrested for having possession of a firearm and marijuana in May, so he’ll be looking for some redemption off the field. He’ll also look to ease the burden on new quarterback DeVante Kincade as he attempts to replace Jonathan Williams.

3. Daniel Williams, Jackson State 

Williams had a solid junior season after a spectacular sophomore year at Jackson State, catching 54 passes for 802 yards with seven touchdowns. Williams is an excellent route runner and is not afraid to catch a pass over the middle of the field.

Williams had an impressive spring game scrimmage where he caught big passes from quarterback LaMontiez Ivy. New head coach Tony Hughes was very satisfied that Williams finally showed up to play. Now with former receiver Devin Fosselman graduating it’s up to Williams to take over the wide receiving core.

(Original Image: Dominique Monday)

4. Willie Quinn, Southern 

When you think about Willie Quinn one word explains him: QUICK! When you kick the ball off to the Jaguars your best option is to kick out of bounds, because when Quinn gets the ball the next to you see him he is in the end zone.

So why is Quinn ranked fourth?

Quinn is more of a return specialist than receiver, even though he led Southern in receiving this year with 49 receptions with 857 yards with three touchdowns. In the return game, Quinn had a total of 5 touchdowns (4 kick-return, 1 punt-return) and against Texas Southern this season Quinn tied the FCS record for the most kick-returned touchdowns, which was held by Hampton’s Jerome Mathis.

5. Willie Young, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

The New Orleans native had a great junior season with UABP.

Young caught 49 passes for 584 yards with three touchdowns. Young can be described as a quick and speedy receiver with an amazing jumping ability, especially when covered. Young’s best game came against SWAC West Champ Grambling, when he caught 14 passes for 197 yards and one touchdown. He also caught eight passes for 83 yards and a touchdown, as the Golden Lions got the victory 29-27 in overtime.

– Robert Harris 

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